Recycling

The first goal was to undertake an analysis of recycling activities throughout the department. Anecdotal information indicated that regular recycling activities varied throughout the agency. Barriers to this activity included disparate public recycling programs in the communities throughout the state where departmental programs and offices are located. Even in the offices near the state government complex, there are currently varying recycling activities in place.

One of the long-term goals of the DCR Environmental Sustainability Team was to initiate the Task Force for Recycling within the 1999-2000 fiscal year. It was established in June 1999. Currently Wanda Pierce serves as the chair.

Objectives

• Gather information on recycling options

• Raise employee awareness

• Increase recycling activities

• Work with the state’s recycling manager in the N.C. Department of Administration

• Participation in the state’s E-Procurement Initiative (beginning)

Accomplishments

• Enrolled in the North Carolina WasteWise Program

• Attended a WasteWise Training Workshop

• Conducted a departmentwide survey concerning recycling activity

• Attended a Bell South demonstration on replacing white pages with CDs

• Attended a meeting of the Interagency Recycling Work Group

• Encouraged the use of email where available to reduce paper usage

Future Plans

• Assess recycling activity based on physical location of departmental facilities

• Cooperate with the State Property Office

• Redefine contacts for each location

• Disseminate information concerning recycling options

• Offer staff breaks on the topic of recycling (division level)